President Trump is moving to broker an end to the Russia–Ukraine war, calling it potentially his “greatest deal.” His envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, delivering an invitation for face-to-face talks next week. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. now has concrete examples of Russia’s demands to end the conflict. Trump has briefed Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and European leaders, aiming to bring Putin and Zelenskyy together for a final agreement.
‍

The proposed meeting is set for August 15 in Alaska — which Russia sold to the U.S. — in what analysts see as both a symbolic and strategic venue. The location hints at broader negotiations over trade routes, resources, and spheres of influence. Trump has suggested the talks could lead to a land-swap arrangement “benefiting both sides,” though Ukraine is opposed to ceding any territory, including Crimea and the Donbas.
‍

European leaders, meeting earlier at Trump’s Scotland resort, reaffirmed that borders cannot be changed by force, but privately, U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials in the UK have discussed potential ceasefire terms. The White House has also delayed a planned tariff ultimatum on Russian goods from August 9 to August 27 to avoid messing up the peace talks.
‍

Defense stocks retreated on the headlines, with Rheinmetall (RNMBY) down 3%, L3Harris (LHX) off 1.5%, and Lockheed Martin (LMT) lower by 1.17%.